The interview might be over, but the conversation certainly isn’t.

In our first After the Conversation episode, we sit down without a guest to reflect on what has been buzzing in each of our minds after their live recording with Nazir Afzal OBE.

What surprised us? Which moments challenged our own thinking? What did we learn about trust, accountability, and leadership? What are we kicking ourselves for not asking?

These short episodes are a chance to step back from the headlines and make sense of the ideas that emerge through Fearless Diversity. Sometimes the most valuable insights arrive after the microphones have been switched off.

Expect honest reflection, a few points of disagreement, plenty of curiosity, and connections back to the bigger questions at the heart of this podcast: how we navigate difference, build trust, reduce polarisation and create the conditions for better conversations.

Understanding doesn’t end when the interview finishes, often that’s where it begins.

For more about Rachel: Who Is The Fearless Facilitator? - Fearless Facilitator

For more about Simon: Who We Are – Diversity by Design

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fearless Diversity | Live from Manchester with Nazir Afzal OBE

First in our new format of meeting, greeting, and interviewing some of the most interesting leaders and exploring what Fearless Diversity means for them.

On the day one of the men prosecuted for the Rochdale child sexual exploitation scandal was released from prison, Fearless Diversity recorded a live conversation with Nazir Afzal OBE at the REG Connect Race Equality Conference in Manchester.

The timing could hardly have been more significant. Nazir reflects on violence against women and girls, the enduring impact of child sexual exploitation, why accountability matters more than ever, and what happens when institutions stop asking difficult questions. He also explains why he has moved away from describing organisations as "institutionally racist", arguing instead that Britain's deeper challenge is a widening deficit of trust and accountability and what leaders can do to rebuild both.

This episode is about much more than policy. It is about Manchester. What is Manchesterism? Why has this city produced generations of people prepared to challenge power, confront injustice, and build communities that refuse to look away? What makes Manchester different and what can the rest of the country learn from it?

Rachel Cashman and Simon Fanshawe explore these questions with one of the city's most influential public figures. Along the way, Nazir shares reflections on leadership, public service, moral courage, and his experience of advising the man, Andy Burnham MP, who now leads the country, offering a rare insight into the values and relationships that have shaped modern Manchester politics.

This is a conversation about more than race. It is about place. About leadership. About accountability. And about how we begin repairing trust at a time when so many people feel our institutions have lost their way.

Between each interview, we will be recording a reflection on the discussion and exploring what we wished we had asked and what we might follow up with. So, if you enjoyed this episode, let us know what you would like to ask Nazir. He has offered to join us again. Advance notice we have secured an interview with Alan Milbun who is due to launch his much-anticipated review of young people not in education or employment. Diversity of opportunity for young people and the fearless approach that Government and employers may have to face up to. Let us know what you would like to ask Alan Milburn.

Please do listen, like and share.

For more about Rachel: Who Is The Fearless Facilitator? - Fearless Facilitator

For more about Simon: Who We Are – Diversity by Design

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.